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Counsellor Mrs. Marissa del Rosario Blackett Delivered a Statement on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples at the UNGA Third Committee

15/10/2024

On October 15, 2024, Counsellor Mrs. Marissa del Rosario Blackett delivered a statement at the United Nations General Assembly’s Third Committee on the topic of “The Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”

The session commenced with a presentation by Mr. José Francisco Calí Tzay, Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. He focused on the rights of mobile indigenous peoples, who move strategically across their extensive homelands, often occupying fragile ecosystems of high ecological value. Mr. Calí Tzay emphasised that their livelihoods rely on diverse resources and contribute significantly to biodiversity. However, he pointed out that these communities frequently face racism, displacement, restricted movement, and limited access to essential services.

The Special Rapporteur noted that many indigenous peoples living in voluntary isolation have deep material, cultural, and spiritual connections to their territories and face the risk of extinction if their lands are not protected. He stressed the urgent need for targeted responses from Member States to safeguard these lands. Additionally, he highlighted how some states fail to affirm the indigenous status of these communities by asserting that all nationals are indigenous to a given country.

Mr. Calí Tzay explained that mobile indigenous peoples are often mischaracterised as primitive, transient, and unproductive, lacking attachment to the land they traverse. He attributed this marginalisation to structural racism, racial discrimination, and social exclusion. He urged Member States to recognise and protect indigenous customary land tenure and fulfill their obligations under the United Nations framework.

He also warned of the immediate and worsening threats indigenous peoples face, including climate change, resource extraction, and forced displacement, which devastate their lands and lives. Those who resist displacement are often subjected to intimidation, criminalisation, violence, and even extrajudicial killings. Additionally, the Special Rapporteur expressed concern over the barriers indigenous peoples encounter in accessing social and economic rights, including education and healthcare, and their lack of participation in decision-making processes. As he concluded, Mr. Calí Tzay called for securing the land tenure of indigenous peoples and ending the external control imposed upon them.

In her statement, Counsellor Blackett also highlighted the ongoing struggles of indigenous peoples. She mentioned that global crises disproportionately impact indigenous communities, whose unique livelihoods and traditions are at risk. Counsellor Blackett noted that international frameworks, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, fail to adequately reflect indigenous concerns. She drew attention to the Sovereign Order of Malta’s ongoing work to address these challenges by supporting the Wayuu people in Colombia with initiatives focused on water contamination prevention, healthcare access, and food safety, in collaboration with Malteser International. Counsellor Blackett added that these efforts aim to empower indigenous communities to overcome systemic issues that distance them from their rights. She concludes with a call for stronger collaboration within the international community to ensure indigenous peoples are included in global solutions.

Categories:  News, Statements